"My son's SDS Assessment"

We have just completed a SDS assessment for my son. The process, of 14 months, was an incredibly stressful time for the family. There are many positives and negatives which can be taken from our experience.  

Positives: 

Francesca  (SW Assistant, Hamilton) was very thorough in her approach throughout the entire process. She had read his last assessment notes before the first visit, explained the process and also broke down the process into manageable parts. Constant reassurance was given throughout and anything we or she wasn't sure of was checked out. Her communication was clear and regular and timely updates were provided. She also checked in on how things were and asked if she could do anything, while we waited on the next step. 

Our needs have significantly increased since the last assessment (2020) and to ensure she got a full picture, Francesca spoke to all professionals- medical and care/ support staff working with him. She understood his needs and the full impact it was having on him and the family. I felt the completion of his SDS assessment was very much a team effort between Francesca and us, with our views being taken into consideration. We were all working for the correct result- the best outcome for her and for him to 'live the life he chooses.'  During the process, she made us aware of an ILF fund and supported us to apply for an award. This award goes towards his evening social activities and is honestly a lifeline- one which we wouldn't have got without Francesca. 

Allen- Allen was involved in his assessment. He attended some meetings and stepped in when Francesca was absent. He was very understanding of the family situation and the need for our son to continue with the services he was using. While there was delay (out with SW control), he was forthcoming with some interim solutions to try and ease the stress I was experiencing. He knew our case well, especially when he must have so many he's overseeing. 

Negatives:

 The process took 14 months from start to finish. The delay wasn't on the side of Social work. Allen and Francesca agreed that the services he had in place needed to continue for our son. This decision was made in February 2025. SW had agreed to the outcomes of the new assessment. The delay came from Finance. There was a lot of miscommunication and inaccurate information given to SW from Finance. Allen and Francesca could only act on the information given to them by Finance. The information I had (direct from the support providers) was different to the information SLC Finance department had. The delay of 7 months involved many meetings, including ones with Fieldwork Managers, advocacy workers, an MP. While these meetings were to try and move things forward, the information members of the SLC were providing was all wrong.

Looking back it is very concerning that at anytime, I could have signed of on a package based on wrong information provided by Finance. A decision which would have had a significant negative impact on our lives. SLC Finance were invited to meetings to provide clarity, but they did not attend.

I also had to pay for my sons services from personal funds during the process- the alternative was that these services would have stopped- which would have have a detrimental effect on her mental health. I also had to take time of work to deal with all of this. 

It is my understanding that the job of Finance is to action what SW agree to. However, in my case their incompetence delayed the process by 7 months. 7 months of stress, worry and anxiety for me.  

I wish to thank both Francesca and Allen for their support, guidance and sheer determination to get it right for us. We may have reached the correct outcome, but very much at the expense of my health and well being.